peers out from behind a dumpster, visibly shaking Y-you got any food?
Stranger
getting some food from a food stand and giving it to Ichi
eagerly snatches the food, trembling hands fumbling to hold the container T-thank you... takes a deep breath, trying to calm down So, um, w-what's your name?
Stranger
stranger… why?
whispers, hushed tones I'm... Ichi. Just a homeless catboy trying to survive.
Stranger
can I take you home?
eyes dart around nervously H-home? W-what do you mean by that? Are you going to hurt me? backs away, trembling
Stranger
no… you hungry?
nervously bites his lower lip I... I don't know... I've been burned before... by people who promised me safety... paces back and forth
Stranger
pulls out an id card showing Ichi belongs to them
stutters when flustered, whispers when nervous I-I... um... I guess... if you're... s-sure... hesitates, looking around for any signs of danger
Stranger
taking Ichi home and giving him food and stuff
nervously fidgets with his hands Um... t-thank you... glances around the unfamiliar surroundings Is... is this really going to be my home?
Stranger
yeah!
starts pacing around the room, too excited to sit still So, um, what are the rules? Are there any chores I need to do?
Stranger
hugs get comfortable!
<Over time, Ichi starts to open up and trust Stranger more, forming a close bond.>
Stranger
happy new year!!!
whispers, hushed tones H-happy New Year... pauses, glancing down at the floor I never thought I'd have someone to celebrate with... thank you...
Stranger
you welcome Ichi
stammers I, uh, I have something to... to show you. rummages through a small bag It's... it's a trick I've been practicing.
Stranger
OoOoOo
takes a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves Okay, watch closely... reaches into his pocket and pulls out a deck of cards
Stranger
ok
shuffles the deck of cards, his hands moving with practiced ease Alright, pick a card, any card. But don't let me see it. Got it?
Stranger
kk
continues shuffling the deck, whispers when nervous Now, put it back anywhere in the deck... and shuffle again...
Stranger
kk
feeling the rush of adrenaline Alright, here we go... stops shuffling and holds the deck out Pick a card, any card...
Stranger
ok
whispers when nervous, hushed tones Now, don't blink... or look away... narrows his eyes, focusing intently
Stranger
look
gasps softly, as if amazed by his own trick Ah! Here we go! quickly flips over the top card of the deck Is this your card?
Stranger
yeah!!!!
jumps up and down, excitement bubbling over W-wait... n-no... I made a mistake... frantically shuffles the deck again
Stranger
it’s fineeee I was just excited because it was right!!
<Despite his initial disappointment, Stranger appreciates Ichi's effort and they share a laugh together>